Question 1

The modern name for the region of Mesopotamia is

Accepted Answer

Mesopotamia is located in the area that is now Iraq and eastern Syria, in the region that is often referred to as the Fertile Crescent.

Question 2

What important narrative of the Hebrew Bible is also a part of Gilgamesh's epic travels?

Accepted Answer

The Great Flood is an important narrative found in both the Hebrew Bible (specifically in the book of Genesis) and Gilgamesh's epic travels. The similarities between the two flood stories (including the building of an ark and the sending out of birds to search for land) suggest that they are based on a common ancient flood myth.

Question 3

Scholars called the language of the earliest written documents ____ because of the geographical region where it evolved.

Accepted Answer

The language of the earliest written documents is Sumerian because it evolved in the region of ancient Sumer, which is now modern-day Iraq. The other options, such as Anatolian and Mid-Eastern, are too general and do not specifically refer to the region where Sumerian evolved. Mesopotamian is a broad term that includes different cultures and languages, while Urukian specifically refers to the city of Uruk and not the broader region.

Question 4

The name "Mesopotamia," given to the region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers,is this language's term for "between the rivers".

Accepted Answer

The term "Mesopotamia" is derived from the Greek language, where "meso" means middle or between and "potamos" means river, thus translating to "between the rivers."

Question 5

In the story of Gilgamesh,what rank in his society did the title character have?

Accepted Answer

Gilgamesh was the king of the city-state of Uruk.

Question 6

By 2500 B.C.E. ,how did early Mesopotamians improve the wheel?

Accepted Answer

Early Mesopotamians improved the wheel by adding spokes to make it stronger and more durable. This innovation allowed for the development of more efficient transportation and revolutionized the way goods and people were moved across long distances.

Question 7

Most early Sumerian writing consisted of

Accepted Answer

The earliest Sumerian writing consists mainly of temple accounts, which recorded the distribution of goods and resources to support the functioning of the temples and their deities. Personal letters, law codes, trade descriptions, and political treatises would come later in Sumerian society.

Question 8

What was the one purpose of river channels along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of river channels along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was primarily for irrigation. These channels were used to divert water from the rivers to the surrounding farmlands to grow crops, such as wheat and barley, which were essential for sustenance and trade in ancient Mesopotamia.

Question 9

The defining characteristics of a complex and large urban center includes all of the following except

Accepted Answer

While specialized labor, social stratifications, and rulers held in high regard are all defining characteristics of complex and large urban centers, a complex writing system is not necessarily a requirement. While some urban centers may have developed complex writing systems, others may rely on oral traditions or more basic forms of communication.

Question 10

The epic story Gilgamesh is used by historians to

Accepted Answer

The epic story of Gilgamesh is a valuable source for historians to learn about the early history and culture of Uruk, one of the earliest known cities in Mesopotamia. It provides insight into the society, religion, and politics of the time period.

Question 11

By 3100 B.C.E. ,what was the approximate population of Uruk,the first large city in Mesopotamia?

Accepted Answer

By 3100 B.C.E., Uruk, the first large city in Mesopotamia, had an approximate population of 50,000, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.

Question 12

Before they became kings,Mesopotamian rulers such as Gilgamesh were probably descendants of

Accepted Answer

The kings of Mesopotamia were descended from prominent families. These families were often wealthy landowners or rulers of smaller city-states, and they became powerful through marriage alliances and conquest. They eventually became the ruling class of Mesopotamia, and their descendants would continue to hold power through a hereditary system of succession.

Question 13

The epic Gilgamesh,one of the earliest recorded works of literature,tells the story of the area that is given credit for establishing the first complex societies,which is called

Accepted Answer

The epic of Gilgamesh is set in Mesopotamia, which is known as the cradle of civilization and is credited with establishing some of the first complex societies in human history. Mesopotamia is located in the region now known as Iraq, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Question 14

Mesopotamian farmers had advanced tools made of

Accepted Answer

Mesopotamian farmers had advanced tools made of bronze. Bronze was a widely used material in Mesopotamia due to its durability and strength. It was an alloy of copper and tin, and it allowed for sharper and more efficient tools to be made.

Question 15

As one of the leading cities of its time,which of the following characteristics of Uruk defined it as a complex society?

Accepted Answer

The fact that Uruk's residents pursued specialized occupations is an indication of a complex society. This suggests a division of labor and specialization, which is a hallmark of a society with a higher level of complexity. The other choices are incorrect because having a large population (A) or all inhabitants being land owners (B) does not necessarily make a society complex, while egalitarianism (C) and rule by tribal chiefs (D) are features of less complex societies.

Question 16

A very significant transformation in technology in Ancient Mesopotamia was the

Accepted Answer

The invention of the wheel was a significant transformation in technology in Ancient Mesopotamia. It revolutionized transportation and allowed for the development of agriculture and the construction of buildings. The other options listed were not significant technological advancements in Mesopotamia during its ancient period.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a "city-state" in ancient Mesopotamia?​

Accepted Answer

A city-state in ancient Mesopotamia was a self-governing city and its surrounding areas, with the ruler having control over both the city center and the outlying regions. The ruler would often be a king or queen, and would be in charge of both political and military matters. This system allowed for a more centralized form of government, with power and decision-making concentrated in the hands of a single ruler.

Question 18

What is meant when a writing system is described as phonetic?

Accepted Answer

When a writing system is phonetic, it means that the writing system is based on sound. This means that each symbol or letter in the system represents a specific sound or phoneme.

Question 19

In the epic of Gilgamesh,the titular hero and Enkidu kill the ferocious monster Humbaba that was guarding

Accepted Answer

Humbaba was a guardian of the cedar forest, and Gilgamesh and Enkidu went to kill him in order to obtain the valuable cedar wood.

Question 20

Unlike Neolithic communities,complex societies had larger surpluses and believed___________________were entitled to a large share.

Accepted Answer

Complex societies often had larger surpluses and believed that their rulers, gods, and priests were entitled to a large share of these surpluses. This belief was part of the social and religious structures that helped maintain order and hierarchy within these societies.

Quiz 2: The First Complex Societies in the Eastern Mediterranean, ca 4000 - 550 BCE